Extreme Heat in Hospitals: How Scorching Temperatures Are Endangering Patients in Europe

A heatwave has pushed temperatures inside Austrian healthcare facilities to critical levels, with reports of 32 degrees Celsius in a Vienna delivery room and up to 40 degrees Celsius in Salzburg clinics, according to reporting from Kronen Zeitung and salzburg24 on June 27, 2026.

The extreme temperatures have impacted patients across various medical settings. Kronen Zeitung reports that patients in Vienna are suffering due to a lack of air conditioning, specifically citing a delivery room where temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius.

In Salzburg, clinics have seen temperatures climb as high as 40 degrees Celsius, according to salzburg24. The outlet reports that these conditions are forcing hospitals in the region to retrofit and upgrade their cooling systems.

The ORF and News.at report that the heatwave is challenging the operations of both hospitals and nursing homes. ORF reports that patients in these facilities are particularly vulnerable as the heatwave approaches its peak.

How has the heatwave affected transportation infrastructure?

The high temperatures have caused physical damage to transportation networks in Austria and Germany. Der Standard reports that railway tracks in Austria have become deformed due to the heat.

Similar heat-related damage has occurred on German autobahns, according to Der Standard. Additionally, severe weather warnings have been issued for the Tyrol region.